When I’m in need of a quick and easy dinner idea, Beef and broccoli comes to mind. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when I have little time to cook but still want a tasty meal. Beef and broccoli is made with tender beef, and crispy broccoli that is covered in a delicious sauce. I love my local Chinese restaurant’s beef and broccoli, but there is something special about being able to quickly whip up this dish in my own kitchen.
Stir fry recipes like my shrimp fried rice and pepper steak are great because they are so easy to make, one pan delicious meals. These along recipes along with Beef and broccoli satisfies that need to order takeout. There is nothing like creating a healthy, tasty dish at home that your entire family will enjoy. Walk with me and I will share with you my version of this classic comfort food dish.
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What Beef to Use for Beef and Broccoli
When making beef and broccoli I use beef sirloin. Beef Sirloin is a tender cut of beef that is juicy, full of rich flavor and compliments the crispy broccoli very well. Other cuts of beef that can be used to make this dish include: flank steak, ribeye steak and skirt steak. Flank steak is easy to find and is great at absorbing the marinate yielding rich flavor. Ribeye steak is super tender and flavorful but can be a little more expensive than your other options. Skirt steak, similar to your flank, is thin and cooks easily, however can be a little tough.
When preparing your beef for Beef and Broccoli remember to cut the beef against the grain. This will make your beef more tender. Cut your beef into thin strips. This will allow it cook more evenly. And lastly, marinate the beef.
Watch Video Tutorial for Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- Beef Sirloin – Beef sirloin is a lean cut of meat and it cooks quickly making it a great choice for stir fry.
- Broccoli – Broccoli is the perfect veggie for this stir fry, delicious and adds just the right amount of texture.
- Ginger and Garlic (minced or grated) – These aromatics add a warm, pungent flavor that’s essential to any good stir-fry.
- Cornstarch – The Cornstarch is the thickening agent that allows the sauce to adhere to the meat and veggies.
- Sesame Oil – Sesame Oil adds a nutty and pleasant flavor that is expected in stir fry.
- Peanut Oil – Peanut Oil is a great oil to use for stir frying due to it’s high smoke point.
- Oyster Sauce – The Oyster Sauce give the stir fry a slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
- Soy Sauce – Soy Sauce is a familiar taste that adds a savor balance to the dish.
- Beef Broth – Beef broth serves as the base for the delicious sauce.
- Black Pepper – Black pepper give a mild touch of heat to balance out the flavors.
What You Will Need
Instructions for Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Prep the Beef
In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Set aside to marinate for a bit.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In another bowl, whisk together the beef broth, the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. This is where the flavor really comes alive!
Step 3: Cooking the Beef and Broccoli
Heat your wok (or a large skillet) over medium-high heat. Add the peanut oil and let it get nice and hot. Add the garlic and ginger to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Toss in the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Add the broccoli florets and a pinch of black pepper. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli is crisp-tender. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli beautifully.
What to Eat With Beef and Broccoli
Beef and broccoli is delicious on its own, but if you want to elevate your meal pair it with white rice or fried rice. to complete this meal add an egg rolls or spring rolls. These additions will compliment the beef and broccoli perfectly and make for a satisfying meal.
What to Do With Leftovers Beef and Broccoli
To store leftover homemade beef and broccoli make certain it has cooedl to room temperature first. To store in the refrigerator, transfer the dish to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn, and label it with the date. Beef and broccoli can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to reheat, thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, use a microwave-safe dish and microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until evenly heated. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a few tablespoons of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out. Always ensure the dish is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Other Great Recipes
- Pepper Steak Recipe – This is one of my all time favorite recipes. Easy to make and oh so delicious!
- General Tso Chicken – A classic recipe for America’s favorite take out dish.
- Chicken Fried Rice – If you have left over rice then there is nothing easier to make than chicken fried rice.
- Garlic Noodles Recipe – These delicious noodles are so tasty, they are a garlic lover’s dream.